India rejects Italian marines' requests

16 dicembre 2014

2 min di lettura

(AGI) New Delhi, Dec 16 - India's Supreme Court refused toexamine requests by the two Italian marines accused of killingtwo fishermen in Kerala in 2012. In particular, MassimilianoLatorre had requested a 4-month extension on his treatment inItaly for a stroke suffered in September; the deadline for hisreturn from his permitted absence is January 13. SalvatoreGirone had asked for a return home for Christmas, and morelenient parole conditions in general. The Supreme Court saidthe trial must now proceed, 33 months removed from the event onFebruary 15, 2012, when the two marines shot the two Indianfishermen mistaken for pirates. Italy's President, GiorgioNapolitano, said he is "thoroughly dissatisfied by the newsfrom New Delhi regarding the latest negative developments onthe marines' situation", and added that he will "remain inclose contact with the government, and closely follow thedevelopments in parliament's opinion". EU foreign policy chiefFederica Mogherini discussed the marines' trial during aCommission meeting. Defense Minister Roberta Pinotti said,"Italy must consider how to respond to the grave decision" bythe Indian Supreme Court. Speaking at the inauguration of anexhibition at the Jewish Museum of Rome, she explained that shedid not wish to go into detail on the marines' case just yet."Today is a difficult day for us. The news we received thismorning was unexpected", she stated, declining further comment.Italy's Foreign Minister, Paolo Gentiloni, expressed thegovernment's "irritation" towards the denial of the marines'requests, stating that he believes "the nation must react withfirmness and unity". "The Indian Supreme Court's decision isentirely unacceptable and is greatly detrimental to the legaldispute between Italy and India", said the Chairman of theForeign Affairs Commission in the Chamber of Deputies, MPFabrizio Cicchito. "Unfortunately, India has taken anirresponsible stance. At this point, a discussion between thegovernment and parliament is essential, based on which thegovernment must establish its own stance in light of thisentirely negative development". . .